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Local News

By Jeff Bryan
More than a dozen candidates, their supporters and area residents packed themselves into the American Legion Post No. 58 hall on Tuesday night for the Dunnellon Business Association-sponsored Candidate Forum, as they began their final push before the Aug. 30 Primary.

By Mike Wright
The I-75 Relief Task Force wrapped up its work Friday with a recommendation that the state upgrade the freeway and current road networks before it thinks of extending the Suncoast Parkway.
The group met at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala.
The group, represented by officials and others from six counties appointed by Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold, was charged with finding a long-term solution to Interstate 75 congestion issues between Gainesville and Wildwood.

As a convenience to the voter, a voter may cast their ballot prior to Election Day at a location designated by the Supervisor of Elections as an Early Voting site. These sites are located throughout Marion County.
Early Voting beganSaturday, Aug. 20 and ends Saturday, Aug. 27. Early Voting sites are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Voters can cast a ballot at any early voting site within Marion County when the site is open.
Early Voting Sites in Marion County:
Election Center, 981 NE 16th St., Ocala

Munroe Regional Medical Center (MRMC) filed a letter of intent with the Agency for Health Care Administration yesterday to apply for a certificate of need (CON) to build a second acute care hospital of up to 100 beds on the TimberRidge Emergency Center campus at 9521 SW State Road 200, Ocala, 34481. The proposed hospital is in addition to ongoing plans for the main campus.

After reaching a plea agreement with the State Attorney’s Office, former Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair has dropped out of the race for sheriff in this year’s election and, since he was still sheriff despite being suspended, has resigned from the Sheriff’s Office.
Blair was indicted for perjury and official misconduct on May 20 and was immediately suspended by Gov. Rick Scott. Emery Gainey was appointed to serve out the remainder of Blair’s term, which expires after this year’s election.

By JIM CLARK
Democratic candidates for sheriff in Marion County visited the State Road 200 Coalition on Monday, and the first question showed that the people are demanding answers from the hopefuls.
Former sheriff Ed Dean was the recipient of the first query, and there were no punches pulled as he was asked if he would rehire “some of his cronies” if he were elected. Dean replied that he would promise a job to no one.

By Diane Dobry
While most of the country is outdoors enjoying the sunshine and warmth of the summer, we in Florida are looking for ways to beat the heat. A day at the Appleton Museum in Ocala offers not only a reprieve from the weather, but plenty of creative stimulation, glimpses of history, hands-on activities for the young and not-so-young, films, music and social events.

The largest school supply drive in Marion County celebrates its 15-year anniversary by giving to students in need this summer.
“Stuff the Bus” started in 2002 as a summer drive to gather school supplies for Marion County’s homeless students. Today, the program helps approximately 2,500 needy students throughout Marion County Public Schools.
The annual program is co-sponsored by Marion County Public Schools and local military organizations.

Election qualifying for those seeking office in multi-county districts recently closed. Here are some of the results.
In Congressional District 3, there will be no primary. However, three people will be on the ballot in November: incumbent Ted Yoho, Republican, and challengers Ken McGurn, Democrat, and Tom Wells, no party affiliation.